Special measures at Mumbai airport for Obama visit

Mumbai: Movement of aircraft is unlikely to be
allowed at the Mumbai airport 6 minutes before and after the
flight carrying US President Barack Obama lands.

"Normally during a VVIP visit, no flight movement is
allowed 3 minutes prior to landing and 3 minutes post
landing. But during Obama`s visit, this period may be extended
to 6 minutes before and 6 minutes after the aircraft
lands," airport sources said.

They said that as per the plan so far, no clearances would
be granted to any flight either to land or take-off during
that period.

Even taxiing of aircraft will not be allowed till the US
President`s plane has been fully evacuated, they said.

2 US Airforce Jumbos and4 helicopters, which have
surveillance and bombing capabilities, have already landed at
the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport ahead of the
VVIP visit.

However, the sources said civil aviation authorities here
were yet to receive a formal communication about the American
President`s flight schedule.

"So far we have not received any formal communication
about Obama`s flight schedule. We hope to receive it by
tomorrow," the sources said.

In the case of such a high level visit, the air traffic
control and other related agencies are informed of the flight
schedule at least 24 to 48 hours in advance, they added.